Ms Penfold said the exporters were being asked to pay for significant inefficiencies within DOA.

She said it was not uncommon for exporters to get multiple and contradictory queries from DOA staff. She also criticised the reams of paperwork generated under the ESCAS process in the absence of an effective electronic management system.

In its draft cost recovery impact statement, DOA estimates total staff costs of $5.4 million in 2014-15, with many of the fee increase in the 50-70 per cent range.